China’s flare stunt an ‘upscale’ in its attacks on the Australian Defence Force

Sky News host Paul Murray warns China’s flare stunt was an “upscale” in its attacks on the Australian Defence Force after an Australian helicopter was forced to take evasive action. At about 7:30pm on Saturday, a J-10 Chinese Air Force plane belonging to the People’s Liberation Army dropped flares about 300 metres in front of the Seahawk helicopter and about 60 metres above it. Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed the helicopter was unaffected and the crew were safe but condemned the incident as “unsafe” and “unprofessional”. “To all the men and women who serve our country doing the jobs that many people would not even know they are doing, we end them nothing but strength and love and admiration,” Mr Murray said. “To the government who refused to share the rage of the families left behind while these people serve overseas and get involved in these scenarios of near-death experiences with China – could the government please muster the courage to be slightly pissed off.”